With a timber handrail it is not only the timber species that decides. The profile shape also influences how the handrail can be gripped and how it looks on the staircase.
Handrail profiles compared
We offer a choice of six shapes: round, oval, rectangular, square, Omega kompakt and Omega klassisch. All profiles are available in oak, beech, maple and ash and are gathered in the Handrails category.
The choice therefore includes Oak handrails, Beech handrails, Maple handrails and Ash handrails – each in different profile shapes and made individually to length.
| Profile | Available dimensions | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Ø 42, 45, 50 mm | classic, evenly graspable |
| Oval | 55 × 30, 60 × 40 mm | flatter, clearly aligned |
| Rectangular | 50 × 30, 80 × 30 mm | straight-lined, modern |
| Square | 42 × 42 mm | compact, geometric |
| Omega kompakt | 55 × 50 mm | more strongly profiled, distinctive |
| Omega klassisch | 80 × 45 mm | wider, pronounced profile |
The fixing also depends in part on the shape: the EasyFit für M12 bracket can be combined with all six profiles. Typ B is intended for round and oval, Typ C for rectangular, square and both Omega profiles.
The bracket question should therefore be taken into account when choosing the profile – but what matters first is still how you want it to feel in the hand.
Round handrail: classic and straightforward
The round timber handrail is the most classic shape.
Its biggest advantage: the cross-section is the same in every direction. There is no defined top or bottom and no edge that could be aligned differently when you grip it.
The choice is:
- Ø 42 mm
- Ø 45 mm
- Ø 50 mm
That makes the round profile particularly suitable for anyone who prefers a plain and even grip.
Visually, a round handrail is rather restrained and leaves plenty of room for the timber species. An oak handrail, for example, looks considerably stronger than a light maple handrail, even though the profile is identical.
- Advantages
an even feel in the hand, a timeless look, no defined alignment. - Points to note
As the diameter increases, the feel in the hand changes. Anyone with smaller hands may find a slimmer diameter more pleasant.
Oval handrail: flatter and more elegant
The oval profile is available in:
- 55 × 30 mm
- 60 × 40 mm
Unlike the round profile, an oval handrail has a clear top and bottom. The wider axis produces a flatter shape and therefore a different feel in the hand.
Visually, an oval profile can look slimmer than a strong round bar. It is therefore well suited when a timber handrail is to be clearly visible without looking massive.
- Advantages
a flatter look, a defined gripping side, harmonious lines. - Points to note
The profile has to be fitted correctly aligned. A twisted oval feels different and looks visually restless.
Rectangular handrail: clean lines
We stock rectangular timber handrails in:
- 50 × 30 mm
- 80 × 30 mm
They look considerably more straight-lined and architectural than round or oval profiles.
The flat top face and the visible edges suit modern staircases, clean wall surfaces and straight-lined interiors particularly well.
When gripped, the rectangular profile differs distinctly from a round bar: the hand follows a given shape more closely.
- Advantages
a clear look, flat lines, easy to combine with modern architecture. - Points to note
The feel in the hand depends more strongly on the profile width, height and treatment of the edges than with the round profile. Anyone who values grasping it as neutrally as possible should compare round and rectangular before deciding.
Square handrail: compact and geometric
The square profile is available from us in 42 × 42 mm.
It combines a compact dimension with a deliberately geometric shape. Unlike the rectangle, the height and width are identical.
That makes the profile look stronger and more technical than a round bar of the same order of size.
- Advantages
clear geometry, a compact shape, a distinctive appearance. - Points to note
The edges remain more noticeable when gripped than with a round or oval profile.
Omega kompakt and Omega klassisch: a contoured grip
Anyone who does not want a simple geometric cross-section can choose between two Omega profiles:
- Omega kompakt: 55 × 50 mm
- Omega klassisch: 80 × 45 mm
The shape is more strongly contoured and thereby gives the hand a considerably more defined position than round, oval or rectangular.
That can be pleasant if a profiled handrail is deliberately what you are looking for. At the same time the feel in the hand is more individual – some prefer this guidance, others a more neutral round bar.
- Advantages
a characteristic shape, a clearly defined feel in the hand, a look of its own. - Points to note
With more strongly profiled handrails in particular, it is worth not choosing the shape from a photo alone.
Which profile suits me?
As simple orientation:
- Round
If you are looking for a classic timber handrail that is evenly graspable. - Oval
If the handrail is to look flatter and have a defined gripping side. - Rectangular
If clear lines and modern architecture are what matter most. - Square
If a compact, geometric shape is wanted. - Omega kompakt or Omega klassisch
If you are looking for a more strongly contoured profile with a pronounced gripping character.
There is no shape that is simply “the best”. With a handrail in particular, hand size, the feel in the hand and personal preference play a large part.
Then comes the timber species
Once the profile shape has been chosen, the timber species can be selected by appearance and the character wanted.
- Oak handrails look strong and classic thanks to their distinctive texture.
- Beech handrails have a comparatively calm and even appearance.
- Maple handrails are particularly interesting for light interiors.
- Ash handrails often show a livelier, clearly visible grain.
All four timber species are available in the same six profile shapes. Shape and timber species can therefore be chosen independently of each other. Profiles, timber species and accessories are gathered in the Handrails category.
